Hanita Bhambri - I Started Singing and Playing the Guitar - It All Came From the Need to Express Myself More Authentically (Musician from India)

PC - Randy Tan

Everyone has moments when you feel like doing nothing - and in those moments I try to honor what my body and brain are telling me. My end goal with my music is to help people - and how will I help someone when I’m not okay. So when I’m uninspired I don’t force it.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I started writing music when I was 11 but it took a long while and a lot of detours to finally start sharing my songs with the world. I studied marketing in my undergraduate from CBS and then did an MBA in brand management from MICA, and even though I loved marketing, I felt like I was chasing someone else’s dreams. So I just opted out of placements - and decided to give the music an honest shot. And the rest is history! 

2. When and how did you develop your interest in music?

I developed an interest in poetry and songwriting at an early age. I could collect all my thoughts and feelings and suddenly make sense of them in songs. Eventually, I started singing and playing the guitar - it all came from the need to express myself more authentically.

3. How would you describe your music style?

I would describe it as soulful indie-pop.

4. What are your future plans?

For the first time in a long time, I don’t have anything planned. I am just focusing on healing and giving myself the time to do what feels right and process the pandemic. And when it feels like I’m ready - I’ll drop a song or an EP.

5. Who do you admire the most and why?

I have a lot of admiration for Billie Eilish as an artist and how poignant her songwriting is at such a young age - how she sticks to guns about what she stands for and puts out good songs consistently without a pause. 

6. How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated?

Everyone has moments when you feel like doing nothing - and in those moments I try to honor what my body and brain are telling me. My end goal with my music is to help people - and how will I help someone when I’m not okay. So when I’m uninspired I don’t force it.

7. Which is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book is the catcher in the rye - my greatest learning from the book is that sometimes you find strength in you to do something for others, which you wouldn’t for yourself - the way Holden chooses to stay for sister even though it was easier to leave. 

Hanita Bhambri

Interviewed By - Khushi Garg